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Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems it allows handlers to engage in the activity through having some input with their dogs versus the dog doing most of the work. Why? Because somebody is/are going to get cut from the get-go and it took quite a commitment of time and money to attend, to include the pre-Nat training.

I was just trying to stimulate a little discussion - but looking at it this way - we all know going to a national is not inexpensive - you can get your dog's name in the catalog by just qualifying - so for those thousands of dollars spent to be there - your dog got 1, that's one, live bird - how many threads have there been on this forum about the importance of marking & at the premier event in the retriever world the early outs got to exhibit that 1 time? Can anyone name one good reason?

But this conversation is brought up almost every single National...it's like beating a dead horse...oh but what my opinion doesn't matter now does it, I haven't proven myself in your eyes...carry on, pretend I'm not here...

Edit: If you look at the percentages (see summary thread) in reality the judges have been more than fair with their callbacks - last year for the 3rd they had a marking series, but the other years they had blinds...

I look at the first four series as a mini trial....two sets of marks, two blinds...maybe not in the same traditional order as a weekend trial, but IMO (which doesnt mean squat) you are giving each qualifier a chance to play and get their money's worth, unless they eliminate themselves

Since this particular sequence is used, I anticipate a big cut after the fifth series, or a nut buster of a test which will get them(judges) some answers....but then again thats just a guess

Executor of the Alanson C Brown III - Trust

Originally Posted by lanse brown

A few things that I learned still ring true. "Lanse when you get a gift, say thank you and walk away. When you get a screwing walk away. You are going to get a lot more screwings than gifts"

I look at the first four series as a mini trial....two sets of marks, two blinds...maybe not in the same traditional order as a weekend trial, but IMO (which doesnt mean squat) you are giving each qualifier a chance to play and get their money's worth, unless they eliminate themselves

Since this particular sequence is used, I anticipate a big cut after the fifth series, or a nut buster of a test which will get them(judges) some answers....but then again thats just a guess